Whilst still home secretary, Theresa May repeatedly voiced her dislike for the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and she recently declared that the UK should leave the ECHR, even if the UK voted to remain within the European Union. The ECHR currently provides articles relating to rights and freedoms such as the right to life, prohibition of torture, the prohibition of slavery and forced labour, the right to a fair trial, no punishment without law, and the right to respect for private and family life.

In the confusion of the UK leaving the European Union, it would be easy for the Labour Party to concentrate its efforts solely on other important areas such as immigration and NHS staffing, and neglect the potential impact that leaving the ECHR could have on our country. It is essential that this does not happen. Come along on June 14th and join the debate led by the Labour Campaign for Human Rights.

AGM and Debate, Wednesday March 22nd 7.30pm. Bar 7.00pm.
Interested in finding out what Woking Labour has been up to over the past twelve months? All members are invited to the Woking Labour 2017 AGM, where our Chair Sabir Hussain and members of the Executive Committee will give an update of the past year’s activities.

The AGM is the opportunity for any Labour member to stand for the Executive. You just need to introduce yourself and say briefly why you would like to stand for a particular position, then secure a proposer and seconder from the meeting, and a vote in favour. New talent is very welcome. Bring your ideas and come and help us build a strong organisation that will continue to strengthen Labour’s voice and the Labour vote in Woking!

After the debate, Woking Labour’s Trade Union Liaison Organiser Dan Conquer will lead a debate on how we can work with local trade union branches. Bring your local knowledge. Do you know any current employment practices which would not survive close scrutiny and could provide opportunities for joint working? Are there issues you think we should be supporting?

The CLP has a number of affiliated trade union branches and now that the rule change in March 2015 enables trade union members to be individually affiliated to local Labour Parties, they are able to become a valuable part of the local support for Labour. To be an effective political force within Woking we need to be seen to be relevant and have more of a public profile on the streets and in the press. This would also give people a good reason to join Labour and to vote for Labour too.

A national demonstration and global day of action marking UN anti-racism day will take place in London on Saturday March 18th. Assemble at 12 noon, Portland Place, London, W1A 1AA. (Bakerloo line from Waterloo, but for more transport info see www.standuptoracism.org.uk/transport.) To join the Woking CLP contingent going with our banner call Gary Griffiths on 07771 331302 and leave your phone number. The demonstration is organised by Stand Up To Racism and supported by TUC, Unison, Unite, NUT, CWU, Aslef, PCS etc.

May’s government is keeping the question of immigration at the centre of British politics and continues to scapegoat migrants, refugees and Muslims. We saw a spike in racist attacks after the EU Referendum. There is a growing support for the far right across much of Europe – while refugees are being abandoned to destitution, drowning and exploitation.

But at the same time a progressive movement is growing – with huge, inspiring global Women’s Marches, the Black Lives Matter movement, and many acts of solidarity with refugees. Together we can turn back the tide of racism. Let’s make this year’s anti-racism day demonstrations the biggest yet.